Apparatus for manufacturing lock nuts



i 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 15, 1949. J. H. STOVER, 111

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS Filed oct. 9, 1945 Y R I nl llfwvhmwllf l Y .%N..\ ....,1@@@@ z w! Q www @Nx L hllllhllhwlwfllllll Q L @m WHW .www Mmm J. H. STOVER, 111' APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS March 15, 1949.

11 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct.

ATTORNEYS March 15, 1949. J. H. sTovER, III 2,464,729

y APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS Filed Oct'. 9, 1945 1l Shets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYS Mach 15, 1949. J. H. s'rovER,JJI

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS 11 Sheets-Sheetf 4 Filed oct. 9, 1945 IIIIII .Il

INVENTOR ./opfwf H. .fron-*Rm ATTORNEYS Marcl 15, 1949.

' ..1. H. sTovER,JII; 2,464,729 APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS vl Filed oct. 9, 1945 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 |NvENT-OR JORDAN H. J T01/51H22 M ATTORNEYS -4 March 15, 1949. J. H. sTovER,JJI

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING. LOCKv NUTS 11 sheets-sheet s Filed Oct. 9, 1945 A lNvENToR JO/PD/V .JTl/ERZ A BY @AML- @M045 y ATTGRNEY J. H. sTovr-:RJI

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS March 15, 1949.

11 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed oct. 9, 1945 INVENTOR Joao/1N H. Jrorffraz ATTORNEYS l March 15, 1949. l J. H. sTovERJLr 2,464,729 i APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS Filed ct. 9, 1945 11 sheets-sheet 8 A V INVENTO JORDAN /f Jim/ER ZE- ATTORNEYS 11 sheets-Sheets J. H. STOVER, 111

APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS March `15, 1949.

Filed Oct. 9, 1945 ATTORN EYS March 15, 1949. .1.H. sTovERJn APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS Filed oct. 9, 1945 1l Sheets-Sheet 10 E R 5 E @n mm VJ. m N T IH, A 8 N. Z AY r 7 .0. J l/W w March l5, 1949. J. H. STOVER, JIL

v APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS 11 sheds-sheet 11 Filed Oct. 9, 1945 H E M) a m w T vN QQ N.J R .0 WM m w um. l v B m M Q n @NNN 1 .M1 Nm -I m Q G/ N l. m MN Patented Mar. 15, 1949 APPARATUS. FOR MANUFACTURING LOCK NUTS Jordan H. Stover, III, Easton, Pa., assignor to Stover Lock Nut & Machinery Corporation,l a

corporation` of Delaware Application October 9, 1945, Serial No. $211,266

(i. 1li- 712) 2,5 Claims.

This invention relates to lock nuts and has for its object certain improvements in the apparatus for making lock nuts.

Nuts ordinarily are made with a pitch diameter suihciently Agreater than the pitch diameter ofa mating bolt so that the nut may be screwed freely onto the bolt. This so-called flt tolerance may vary considerably, depending upon the size of the nut and the fineness of fit desired. In any event, however, it is sufficient so that until the nut on the bolt comes'int-o engagement with the work'to be held, the threads of the nut do not exert any substantial pressure on either the upper or the lower side of the bolt threads, and in consequence there is only. slight friction and resistance to turning. When the nut becomes tightened against the work, the upperv sides of the threads on the nut contact the lower sides of the threads on the bolt with a pressure determined by the force with which the nut is tightened, and the friction resulting from the pressure between the interfengaging sides of the threads serves to lhold the nut in its 'tightened position.

The yobjection to this kind of nut is that it is easily loosened, because whenever the pressure between the lower end of the nut and the work is relieved as a result of vibration, wear, or other cause, the pressure between the inter-engaging sides of the threads is also relieved so that there is -no longer suicient friction to prevent the nut from being slowly backed off the bolt by vibration, shock, or the like.

Many different expedients have been proposed, and some have come into general use, to prevent accidental loosening of tightened nuts. The well-.known split lock-washer, the use of a separate lock nut and the use of cotter pins through vrcotter ways formed in the nut and through a hole in the bolt, are probably the most familiar of these` expedients. Another proposal is toinsert elestic material in a groove specially provided around the threaded hole of a 'nut yto provide a locking effect. The effective use of such a nut is limited to the life of the elastic material while continued in use with the work to which it is first applied or the nut is greatly limited in the number of times it can be re-used because lof damage to and loss of elesticity of the elastic material. Other expedients have involved cutting specially 'shaped and nely made threads on both nut and bolt, and the provision of special lock sections formed integrally with or attached to thenut. Proposals also have been madeto deform the nut as a whole, or to provide vspecially formed sections of the nut which maybe deformed to lock with the bolt. Such sections often are slotted in various ways with the idea `of enhancing the locking action of the deformed section. These various prior expedients are subject'to the dise advantage that a separate locking piece is re quired, or to the disadvantage of being ineffective or4 only moderately effective, and diflicult and expensive to manufacture accurately and in quantity. For example, proposals to distort the nut over its entire length. have been unsuccessful, because nuts so distorted to an effective degree cannot be started on the bolt except with great diniculty. Proposals to deform specially provided sections of the bolt have been unsuccessful because the deformed sections, which commonly are slotted in some manner, do not provide a satisfactory lock and are expensive to manufacture.

Another lock nut proposed is one with opposite sides of o. blank nut forced toward one another to provide an oval or elliptical opening at the ton While maintaining the lower part of the hole of the nut cylindrical or circular. Although such a 10411.: nut was Proposed many. years. ago in British Patent 1003 ofY 1880l so far as it known it has had no commercial success. Ifthe lock nut is deformed too little, it is worthless. If it is deformed too much, it is not satisfactory because use of the lock nut damages the threads of the nut as well as of the bolt or mating screw, and the desired non-Slipping gripping action is, not obtained. If the insuiiiciently deformed lock nut is given additional deformation, there is however no War of telling whether the .deformation is too much or too little, except by actual use. Actual use is out of the question when the lock nuts are made by the thousands and shipped to remote parts-for unfailing use.

Investigation confirms my discovery that lock nuts of the proper type and arnount'of deformation may be consistently reproduced or duplicated and that the deformation is sui'cient to assure adequate gripping or'locking action between the lock nuts and their mating bolts orscrews.

The lock nut preferably comprises a nut blank having a threaded opening, opposite sides ofthe main body of the blank being compressed at the top portion thereof to a depth ofV 1/4 to x/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw beyond the elastic limit of the blank to provide a permanent distortion in the blank and to cause the top of the opening to assume a generally alliptcal shape with the sides of the `opening on the minor axis pushed toward one another and with the sides of the opening on the major axis pushed away from one another while the bottom of the opening remains substantially circular Awith a diameter greater than the minor axis and less than the major axis. The width of the top of the opening along the minor axis is reduced by the distortion by an amount equal to the t tolerance plus 0.001 to 0.010 inch.

In a presently preferred practice, the width of the top of the opening along the minor axis is reduced by the distortion by an amount to produce a friction locking torque of 115 DM to 820 D2-5 on a mating screw within the dimension tolerances of its class of t; in which D equals the nominal diameter of the mating screw and the result obtained is pound inches of torque.

In accordance with the apparatus of the invention, it comprises a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded opening of a blank nut,

the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of l predetermined size, and means for forcing the opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the opening of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount.

The depth of squeeze of the upper portion of the main body of the blank is highly important. A decrease in the depth of squeeze results in less sensitivity (variation of friction torque in relation to change in bolt diameter) to bolt diameter and less life (re-use factor). An increase in the depth of squeeze results in greater sensitivity to bolt `diameter and greater life. The object is to select a depth of squeeze adapted to yield the least sensitivity with the greatest life. If the depth of squeeze is less than 1/4 of the bolt diameter, the life of the lock nut is less than its practical limit. If the depth of squeeze is more than 1/2 of the bolt diameter, the sensitivity of the lock nut is beyond the practical limit. For these reasons, opposite sides of the main body of the blank are compressed only at the top portion thereof to a depth of 1A; to 1X2, preferably about the nominal diameter of the mating screw or bolt. This is particularly true of nuts ranging, for example, from may be screwed on part way by hand since the lower part of the nut is substantially undistorted.'

At this point, the inwardly slanting opposite sides of the threaded opening in the nut come into contact with the bolt threads and as the nut is screwed on further, the bolt threads force the compressed sides of the nut apart against the spring action of the distorted nut.

These and other advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawing, takenin conjunction with the following description, in which- Fig. 1 is a side `elevation of an apparatus illustrative of a practice of the invention, for the most part showing its inner mechanism and not its outer casing or covering;

Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of the loading end of the mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the appara tus, taken approximately along the line of travel of the mandrel, showing the endless conveyor and part of the driving mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the endless conveyor;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a unit of the endless conveyor showing a sprocket chain flink, a

4 mandrel support and a mandrel with a nut mounted thereon;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a small section of the endless conveyor;

Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view on the line 'l--l of Fig. 1, showing the endless conveyor, the squeeze rolls, the driving mechanism for the endless conveyor, the adjusting mechanism for moving the endless conveyor laterally and a portion of the driving mechanism for the knurling device;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1, showing the mounting of the squeeze rolls, the mechanism for driving the same and a portion of the adjusting mechanism for moving one of 4the squeeze rolls laterally;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8, showing the adjusting mechanism for moving the endless conveyor and its associated parts laterally, the squeeze rolls in phantom and part ofthe adjusting mechanism for moving one of the squeeez rolls laterally;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the mandrel support, showing a generally cylindrical mandrel and a nut mounted thereon, before it is deformed, similar to the assembly shown in Fig.

Fig. 11 is a similar sectional view showingthe nut after it has been deformed by the squeeze rolls;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but showing a generally tapered mandrel;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of .a lock nut illustrative of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a side elevation;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view partly in section;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation partly in section, showing the lock nut and a bolt in applied form;

Fig. 17 is a viewisimilar to Fig. 9, but showing the relative relation of the parts when deforming a smaller nut; 1

Fig. 18 is a section on the line I8-l8 of Fig. 17, showing the aligning mechanism for presenting a pair of opposite sides of the nut to the squeeze rolls. i

Fig. 19 is an exploded View showing the pedestals, the xed bearing blocks and the movable bearing blocks for the drive shafts of the squeeze rolls and the appurtenant parts in the adjust- 'nient mechanism for moving one of the rolls laterally;

Fig. 2O is a general plan view of the endless conveyor support and its related parts, the endless conveyor itself being omitted except for its chain sprockets;

Fig. 21 is a side View, similar to Fig. 1, of the endless conveyor support and its related parts, the endless conveyor itself being omitted except for its chain sprockets, which are shown in phantom;

Fig. 22 is an lenlarged elevational view of the knurling vdevice shown in Figs. 1 and 3; v

Fig. 23 `is an end view lof the same knurling device; i

Fig. 24 is a section on the line 24-24 of Fig. 22;

Fig. 25 is a plan view confined to the tension control mechanism of the knurling device;

Fig.26 is a sectional view on the line 26-26 of Fig. 23;

- Fig. 27 is an enlarged elevational view of the adjusting mechanism for 'moving none 4of the squeeze rolls laterally, as shown inFigs. 1, 7,-8.

9, 17 and 19, and showing more particularly the connecting 'mechanism4 withv an indicator for showing the amount of lateral movement of the squeeze'roll; and

Fig.. 28 lis a front view of the indicator and its associated mechanism.

Referring rst to Fig. 1, the nut deforming and knurling apparatus comprises a pair of upright spaced pedestals 36 and 3| maintained in spaced relationship at their bottom by means of a plurality of channels 32, 33. The pedestals in turn support a loading table 34, a casing or cover 35, most of which is shown broken away, an endless conveyor 36, a pair of spaced and opposed squeeze rolls 31 and 38, a knurling device 39, and the necessary driving mechanism 46 for operating the apparatus. The driving mechanism comprises ya motor 45 with a chain sprocket 46 mounted on a shaft 41. An endless sprocket chain 48 is mounted on the sprocket and a largersprocket 49 mounted on a drive shaft 56. The drive shaft is employed to drive the endless conveyor as well as the squeeze rolls.

Referring next to Figs. 8 and 19, sprocket 49 'and drive shaft 56 are supported in fixed bear- 63 and an upper bearing hub 64, and a spur gear 65 integrally secured to the upper end. An end .plate 66 is bolted to the ends of lower fixed bearing block 59 and upper fixed bearing block 62. Spur gear 65 meshes with a companion spur gear 16 integrally secured to the upper end of a vertical shaft 1|. This shaft extends successively through an anti-friction washer 12, an upper laterally sliding bearing block 13, provided with four (4) guide bars 13', as shown, extending through a complementary slot 14 in upper fixed bearing block 62, squeeze roll 31, a lower laterally sliding bearing block 15, provided with guide bars 15', as shown, extending through a V.complementary slot 16 in lower fixed bearing block 59,.

,The arrangement shown permits a variable space 86 between squeeze rolls 31 and 38. The apparatus is so designed that the space may be varied to accommodateI nuts of various sizes. To this end, ,upper xed bearing block 62 is provided at its end with a lateral opening 8| accommodating a'draw nut 82. The draw nut, as shown in Fig. 19, is provided with a generally rectangular end or base portion 83 and a cylindrical hub portion 84 adapted to iit snugly in slot 14 and lateral opening 8|, respectively. In similar fashion, lower xed bearing block 59 is provided at its end with a lateral opening 85 accommodating a draw nut 86. The latter draw nut, as also shown in Fig. 19, is provided with a generally rectangular end or base portion 81 and a cylindrical hub portion 88 adapted to iit snugly in slot 16 and. lateral opening 85, respectively. An end plate 89 is secured to the free ends of lower xed bearing 59 and upper xed bearing block 62, as shown in Fig. 8, by a plurality of bolts. Cylindrical hub portion 84. of draw nut. 82 is in turn provided with a lateral square-threaded opening 96 into which fits a complementary square-'threaded draw screw 9|, the

other end of which terminates in a shaft extension 92 extending through the bearing 93 of a draw bar 94 secured to upper lateral slidingbearing block 13 by means of a plurality of bolts. In similar fashion, hub portion 88 of draw nut 86 is provided with a lateral square-threaded opening 95 into which fits a complementary square-threaded draw screw 96, the other end of which terminates in a shaft extension 91l extending through the bearing 98 of a drawl bar 99 secured to lower lateral sliding bearing block 15 by means of a plurality of bolts.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 19, end Iplate 86 is provided at its end with slots |66 and 26| to accommodate draw screws 9| and 66, respectively. A squeeze roll adjustment gear |65 isintegrally secured to the free end of shaft extension 92, the hub portion of the gear being in contact with hub 93 of draw bar 94 to make a tight assembly. A complementary squeeze roll adjustment gear |66 is integrally secured to the free end of shaft extension 91, the hub portion of the gear being in contact with hub 98 of draw bar 98 Ato make a tight assembly. A squeeze roll adjustment pinion |61 fits in meshed engagement with and between adjustment gears |65 and |66, the pinion being integrally secured to a shaft |68, the inner end of which fits in a sleeve bearing |66 fitted in and secured to the midportion of end plate 89. A pair of spaced anges ||6 and lll provide a space in which gears |65 and |66 may turn in meshed engagement with the teeth of pinion |61. The other end of shaft |88 is squaredinto a gri-pping portion ||2 adapted to fit into a socket crank I3 (see also Figs. 1 and 21).

Taking up endless conveyor 36, which is shown in Figs. l, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 20 and 21, particularly, it will be seen that a conveyor drive sprocket l l5 is secured to power drive shaft 56. An endless drive chain ||6 is mounted on sprocket H5, and a sprocket ||1 integrally mounted onv a power take-off shaft ||8 (see Figs. l and 1). The Shaft `is in turn mounted in a pair of spaced bearings ||9 and |26'attached to a generally horizontal support |2| by a plurality of bolts (see Fig. 1). The endless conveyor proper comprises a pair of spaced endless sprocket chains |25 and |26 mounted on a pair of sprockets |21 and E28 respectively, integrally secured to shaft H8, and a pair of spaced sprockets |29 and |36 mounted on a shaft |3I, the ends of which are supported in a pair of spaced bearings |32 and |93 secured `to horizontal support |2I with a plurality of bolts (see Figs. 20 and 21). A plurality of links |35 extend completely around the endless conveyor, the links being attached at their sides to' sprocket chains |25 and |26. A sheet metal guard |36 is riveted to each link to provide a cover over the space between adjacent links (see Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6). Each link is, in addition, provided with a central opening |31 (see Fig. 5) extending through a depending boss |38 under each link. A mandrel support |39 fits in opening |31, the upperv end of which is provided with an enlarged boss -portion |46 having a vertical opening |4| and a lateral set screw |62. The lower part of the mandrel support is provided with a removable and adjustable collar |43 securable to the support by means of a set screw |44. The construction isso` designed that the bottom of boss |46 rests against the top of link |35 while collar |43 bears upwardly against the bottom of boss |38 in order to assure a tight assembly. Opening |4| in boss |46 is designed to receive a depending extension 'arm |45 of a @ascuas mandrel A.I 46 adaptedto fitinto the threaded hole 1of-a blank nut |41, ga laterally extending base |48'being provided between the mandrel jproper and the depending extension arm which Visidesigned to bear against the top of boss |49. This Vmandrel ,isA also shown in Figs. ll and 11.

'portion |56 to accommodate sprockets |21 and |28. Front portion |50 is provid-ed with a pair of-slack-takeup devices |10 and |15 adaptedto move bearing blocks |32 and |33, respectively,.

in order to take up slack in endless conveyor 36. A pair of spaced mandrel guides |12 and |13 extend lengthwise across the mid-section of longitudinal support |2|. Guide |12 is fastened to brackets |14 and |15, while guide |13 is fastened to brackets |16 and |11. A pair of sprocket chain guards |18 and |19 similarly extend across longitudinal support |21 and are secured to the same brackets.

As shown in Fig. 8, constricted central portion |52 of longitudinal support |2i, in other words the section of the support between front portion |50 and back portion |5|, rests in a .recess |80 in lower fixed bearing block 59, the

recess being somewhat wider than the constricted central portion to permit lateral sliding movement of the latter. An aligning plate |8| extends across the top of constricted portion |52 as well as front and back portions |59 and |5| directly below mandrel guides |12 and |13. As more particularly shown in Fig. 8, each mandrel support |39 is adapted to move along the top of the aligning plate, thus accurately locating each nut |41 mounted on its mandrel with respect to squeeze rolls 31 and 38. To assist in saddling longitudinal support |2| on lower fixed bearing block 59, front portion |50 of the longitudinal support is provided with a pair of verticallyspaced and laterally-extending pads |82 and |83 adapted to bear against the side of the bearing block. A similar pair of pads |84 and |35 is provided on back portion |51 of the longitudinal support adapted to bear against the other side of the bearing block. A pair of spaced struts |86 and |81 extend from front part |50 to back part of longitudinal support |2| directly below bearing block 59, the struts being provided with a pair of nuts at each threaded end to per mit the desired adjustments.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 3, 9, 17 and 18, the apparatus shown includes a nutaligner |90 which comprises a pair of spaced and parallel guide wire-s |9| and |92 extending in the direction of the endless conveyor, wire |92 extending forward farther than wire ISI. The wires are spaced a predetermined distance apart so that when nut |41 mounted on mandrel |46 is passed toward the squeeze rolls and the side of the nut strikes wire |92 and passes between both wires, the wires function to align opposite sides of the nut in parallel relationship with the wires so that the opposite sides of the nut are presented simultaneously for engagement with the squeeze rolls. The endsof wire |9| are .secured to a pair of upright supports |93 and also turns.

8 194mm turn secured toxbrackets; |95 .and 196. which are fastened to the sideswofhupperVA fixed similarly secured to a plir' of uprightsupports VV|91 and |98, in turn secured toaflateral-bracket |99 Which is fastened to the inner endv of upper `laterally slidablebearing `block 13h `Afdraw nut 205 witl'ra generallyi rectangular end or,-base portion 206 anda cylindrical hub portion 201 is secured to front` portion |50 of longitudinal-support |2|.V (see -Figs.-.3, 47, 9, 17, 20 and-2 1, and particularly` Fig. 17). In similar fashionga draw nut, 2|0 with a generally rectangular end or base 'portion 2|`|mandga cylindrical hub portion 2|'2 is securedto back portion 201fand 2|2 are provided with'square4 threaded lateral openings into whichm't complementary square 'threadedy draw "screws" 2| 3 land .2|4,

spectiVeIy. Y Drawv screwf2|3 is Hmounted in a bearing 2|5 integrally supportedbyY abracket 2|6 secured to lower xed bearing blockr 59,Y the draw screw being provided withY a pair of "collars 2|1 and 2|8secured thereto'at either side of bearing 2|5. An endless,conveyor-adjusting gear 2|9 is mounted at the.other end of the draw screw. In similar fashion, draw screw 2|'4 is mounted in af bearing 225'integral1y supported by a bracket 226 secured'to lower fixed bearing block 59, the draw screw being provided with a pair of collars 221 and 228 secured thereto at either side of bearing 225. An endless conveyor adjusting gear 229 is mountedat the other end of the draw screw,

Referring to Figs. 8,. 9, 17 and 27,'itfwill be seenthat shaft extension 92 of Vdraw screw 9| is keyed to and extends through hub 235 of adjusting gear |05 a convenient distance, the shaft `extension being providedwith `an elongated lateral opening 236 in which an indicator shaft 231 is securely tted. As `socket crankl I3 is turned tofmove upper laterally slidable bearing block 13 and lower laterally slidable bearing.` block 15, andhence endless conveyor 36, and ...their related parts, `back and forth, indicator'shaft 231 The outer end of indicator `shaft 23,1 extends through a xed bearing inycasing or cover 35. VAn indicator pinion 248 kis secured to the indicator shaft intermediate hub 235 and cover 35, the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of an indicator gear 239 mounted on a second indicator shaft 240 extending through a bearing secured in cover 35, the outer end ,of shaft 240 being provided with an indicator hand 24|. In

'similar fashion, the outer end of rst'indicator shaft'231is provided with an indicator hand 242. Referring next to Fig. l28, it will be seen that indicator hand 242 is associated with an outer calibrated scale 243, advantageously subdivided into thousandths of an inch. As shownLthe scale is sub-divided into main graduations of ten` thousandths of an inch, totalling 250thousandths; in other words, 1A inch. Indicator hand 24| is associated. with an inner calibrated counter scale 244 sub-divided as shown` into main graduations of 25 units, totalling v150. Movement of larger indicator hand 242 in a clockwise direction from zero all the way around the scale back tojzero simultaneously moves smaller indicator hand 24| in acounter-clockwise direction'one main graduation, namely 25 units; that is, '1A inch. A movement of the smaller indicator hand from O 'to 0, namely 150 units, corresponds to 11/2 inches. The object of the arrangement described is to indicateto theoperator the' `amount of space 80 existing between squeeze rolls 31 and 38 or the amount of adjustment to be made in the space between vthe rolls. The size of pinion |01, gears |05, |06, 2I'9 and 229 and their teeth and the size o'f draw screws 9|, 96, 2|3 and 2|!! and their threads are so 'proportioned and correlated that when crank |I3 is turned, lsqueeze roll 31 moves laterally-twice a-s far as endless conveyor 36. This permits the centering of each nut k|81 midway in space 80 between squeeze rolls 31 and 38.

As stated above .in referring to Fig. 1. 'the apparatus includes aknurling device 39. The obiect of the knurling device is to provide the deformed nuts, that is the lock nuts, with a suitable marking so that they rmay be distinguished readily from conventional nuts. and to indicate what portion of the nut is deformed. In the present construction, the knurling device cuts a crisscross pattern of lines in the top of the lock nuts.

The device is shown in more detail in Fig. 3, and particularly Figs. '22 to 26, inclusive. Power takeoff shaft I I8, which operates endless conveyor 36, is also 'used to operate the knurling device. For

this purpose, the lfar 'end ofthe 'shaft is provided with a 'gear 250 which in turn meshes with a gear 25| mounted on a horizontal jack shaft 252 extending back over and across the endless conveyor. The jack shaft is vsupported in a pair of spaced bearings 253 'and 25B, the former bearing .'zf.

being bolted to a pair of spaced vertical columns v255 and 256 rand the latter 'bearing being bolted to a similar p'air of spaced vertical columns 251 and 258, the bases of the columns being bolted lto back portion I of horizontal support I 2| The 'i' other end of the jack 'shaft is tt'ed with a sprocket 259 on which is mounted 'an `endless sprocket chain 260, also mounted 'on a sprocket 26| on a shaft 262 extending laterally back over the endless conveyor. Shaft '262 'rests in two split i* bearings 263 and V261|, with a knurler roll 265 positioned therebetween, the bearings extending horizontally between 'a pair of vertical columns 266 and 261 near one end and a similar pair of vertical columns 268 and 269 near the other end, all of the columns being secured at their bottoms tegrally secured to the upper end of a thrust screw 29| extending through a 'threaded hole in bearing portion 215, the lower end of the thrust screw being adapted to engage a central rib 29?: of middle platen 21 I. The gear 289 also carries a thrust screw 293 which also engages rib 292. An

upper boss 291 and a lower boss 298 are provided to back portion |5| of horizontal support I2I and their upper ends being threaded, as shown.

The four upright vcolumns lare fitted with three platens, 'a lower platen 210, a middle platen 21| and an 'upper `platen 212. The 'upper platen is provided with a rising central rib section l-213 at one end and asimilar rising rib section 214 at the other end, these ribbed sections connecting with 'a 'centrally disposed and a wider bearing portion 215. The threaded end of each vertical column 261, v268 and 269 fits in a threaded sleeve 216 extending through the platen, the sleeve in t'urn being keyed in each case to a ,sprocket 211, the construction beingidentical for the assembly at vthe upper end of the three vertical columns. The fourth vertical rcolumn 266 is provided with a modied sprocket 218-, secured to a special sleeve 219, the upper end of whichl terminates in an extension-portion 288 vadapted to fit into a socket crank. An'endless sprocket chain 28| is mounted on the four sprockets.

A vertical shaft 285 extends rthrough bearing portion 215 of upper platen 212,-the lower end terminating in a head 286 to help hold it in position, the upper portion Aof the shaft having keyed thereon Aa pinion 281,meshing laterally with a pair ofgears 288 and l289. The upper end of shaft 285ter-minates in an extension .portion 290 adapted to 't a socket crank. vGear 288 is inat each of the holes in lower platen 210 through which the vertical columns extend, to provide more bearing and guiding surface. Split bearings 263 and 264 are integrally secured to the bottom of lower platen 210 by means of a plurality of stud bolts 299. The lower platen has a cut-away portion 308 through which the upper portion of knurler roll 265 extends. Reinforcing plates 30| are secured at opposite sides to strengthen the platen in the areas adjacent cutaway portion 300.

A plurality of appropriately spaced bolts 395 extend through upper platen 212, middle platen 21| and lower platen 210 and split bearings 263 and 264 to help support the lower portions of the split bearings. In addition, each bolt is provided' with a compression spring 306 between middle platen 21| and lower platen 210. As a result of the arrangement described, shaft 262 and therefore knurling roll 265 are held in a position to be moved upwardly or downwardly, as desired. l

A rough approximation for the operative position of the knurling roll is advantageously first obtained by fitting a socket crank on extension portion 280 and turning it to move sprocket chain 28| around sprockets 211 and 218 and hence to move upper platen 212 up or down, as required. This is done to place thrust screws 29| and 293 in a Vfavorable operative position. When, therefore, a socket crank is lfitted onto extension portion 290 kof vertical shaft 285, -thrust screws 29| and 293 are moved upwardly or downwardly, depending upon the direction of rotation of the socket crank. If thrust screws 29| and 293 are forced downwardly against central rib 292 of middle platen 21|, springs 306 are placed under greater compression, thus forcing lower platen 218 and hence shaft 262 and knurler roll 265 downwardly. In other Words, the knurler roll is forced more vheavily against the top of deformed nut |41, and succeeding deformed nuts |41. If, however, the pressure of the knurler roll on the nut is too much, the operation may be reversed to release the compressive force of springs 306. Minute control of the amount of pressure of the knurling roll on the nut may thus be obtained by the use oi the socket crank on extension portion 290.

` rlfhe apparatus shown includes special means for withdrawing the deformed nuts from the mandrels as the endless conveyor moves around to its discharge end (see Figs. 1, 7 and 22). For this purpose., the apparatus includes a .pair of spaced supports 3|0 an-d 3| I, the upper ends of which areattached to upright columns 251 and 255, and :the lower ends to back portion I5| of horizontal support Illl.` A `pair of spaced rdeformed nut strippers 3 I 2 and 3 I 3 aresuitably suspended from supports 3I0 and 3I| by a plurality of lateral arms 3|4. These strippers consist of strips of 'thin curved sheet metal, the inner edge f gager the bottom of'each nut in its normal position `on themandrel, andthe mandrel continues inits'course around the sprockets, the deformed nuts' ride on the strippers fand are'jgradually moved upwardly tothe top or end ofthe mandrels, from which the nuts are dropped.V A chute 315 is located at the discharge end of the endless conveyor, being secured' tocover 35,'as shown in Fig.1,to"catch'the nuts'and direct them into a bin 3 I6 located under the chute.

In referring to Figs. 5, 10 and 11 above, brief" reference is made to mandrel 14B. As more clearly shown in Figs. and l1 the mandrel proper is divided into a lower cylindrical baseportion 325, adapted to ilt'loosely'in the lower portion of blank nut |41, and an upper cylindrical stop porti'on 32E of predetermined size adapted to act as a stop (see Fig. 11) when squeeze rolls`3l and 38 force opposite sides of the' upper portion of the nut toward one another and the upper threads of the` nut are brought 'into engagement with the stop' portion. A modied form of mandrel, I43' ls'v illustratedin'Fig. 12, in which base portion 325 andstopfportion 32B "are'in the shape of va frustum of a cone. In'both constructions, the surfaces are relatively smooth. The presently preferred construction is that of Figs. 10 and 11 because the cylindrical base and stop portions may be readily machined to size..`

1 Lock nut I4'I`is shown 'in' hexagonalform with aithreaded central opening 33|. V'1"he opening at the bottom portion" 332 of the'blank is circular but-at the upper portion 333 it is 'generally elliptical, having a minor axis 334 and a'major axis 335. The ellipti-cal shape rof the opening at the upper portion of the blank is the result Iof compressing or squeezing the upper portions 336 and 331 of opposite sides of the main body of the blank p toward one another at the tfop portion to a depth of 1A to 1A), the nominal diameter of the mating screwbeyond the elastic limit ofthe blank to provide a permanent distortion in the blank with Athe sides338 and 339 of the opening on minor axis 334 pushed toward one another' and Awith the sides 340 and 34| of majorl axis 335 pushed away from one another. The'width ofthe top of the openlng alongthe minor axis isvredu-ced by the distortionby an amount equal to the fit tolerance plus" 0.001 to 0.010 inch.' The amountof inward distortion may be determinedby measuring the distance Vfrom crest to crest of the first `or upper full'thread in the opening. This may be done witha Vernier caliper or a taper plug gauge.

'In a presently preferred "practice of the invention, the width of the top of the opening along the minor axis is reduced by the distortionby an amount to produce a friction locking torque of 115 D24 to 820 D2-5 on a mating screw within the Idimensional tolerances of its class of fit, in which D equals the nominal diameter ofthe mating screw and the result obtained is pound inches of torque. This value may be readily determined by screwing the lock nut on a mating screw, such as a bolt, with a conventional torque wrench.

-Fig. 16 illustrates the use of the lock nut when screwed tightly onto a bolt 342 to secure the pieces of work 343 and 344. When the nut is applied to the bolt, it may be screwed at least 1A of the way freely by hand since the lower par-t of the nut is not distorted. As the nut is screwed further onto the bolt, the distorted upper portion of the nutl tends to assume its original un-distorted form due to the resiliency of the metal wall of the nut. v The bolt threads force the compressed sidesfof the nut apart against the spring action 1'2 of; th distorted upper portion 'ofthe nut. lAsmdicated in the drawing, the thread'salong the'inwardly distorted'sidesl338 and 339011 minoraxis 334v of the nut tightly engag'etheir mating threads -on vthe bolt.` This spring action causes the nut to grip yoppositey sides of thebolt and by reason of the amount ofthe 'distortion to'make 'a strong friction pressure contact on `thetopaswell as on the bottom lof the bolt threads.` Accordingly, the nut not only gripsthe bolt tightly but creates an .additional friction area on the threads by pressing against "the upper as well as the lower sides of the bolt threads Yeven whenthe nut is tightened against the work. f

-In orderthat lock nuts vmade according to the invention 4be Aof 'general utility, it isl highly desirable that they be adapted to receive standard socket wrenches and box end wrenchesas' well as open end wrenches. In Vdistorting the nut, its outside dimension measured at right angles to the` direction in which itis squeezed isV increased slightly; In otherwords, the distance across the nut -is decreased along minor axis I4 and increased along major axis I5. This increased voutside di` mension along the major axis may be too great to permit placing a" standard socket Wren-ch or box end wrenchof nominal'-size' over the nut. It is therefore desirable to make the nut blanks in, f for example, hexagonal form, somewhat smaller in-=crossfsection than the v'conventional practice so Ithat when;thepi'distancaacross :the top'of the lockf'nut'is lincreased along its major axis,` the nut may nevertheless tl into the wrench.'

Some mportantadvantages of the lock nut ofi the invention'areits ease or manufacture; its ease-fof application; it may be tightened'wthout damaging itsownor its mating threadsf't may beremoved fromia bolt without excessive difliculty; and it may be used again and 'again` on the samebolt or on a diiferent bolt; Tnaddition, the lock nut locks itself to a bolt by a clamping action strong jenoughto resist loosening'under lsevere vibration orrepeated heavy shocks" 1 'l rThe application just described may 'be operated as follows:

Crank I I 3'is turnedclockwise'or counter-clockwise, as required, to adjust theY width of space between squeeze rolls 31 and38 to accommodate the particular size of nut blank M1 to be deformed. In Fig. 17, for examplathe nut is relatively small while in Fig. .9 itis relatively large. Operation. of crank ,.I.I3 simultaneously, adjusts thespacebetween parallel'guide wires ISI and |92. Motor 4ll is started Awhich inturn sets squeeze rolls 3l and 38', endless conveyor 36.and knurling'devic'e 39.n"motion., The drivingparts are so proportioned and correlated that the endless conveyor, squeeze rollsl and knurler move at substantially the same linear speed. i A nut .blank |4132 is mounted on the.V free end of each mandrel |46 as it approaches the parallel guide'wires and the squeeze rolls. If a corner or corner portion of the nut strikes guide wire |92,- thenut is turned on the mandrel to align a pair of its opposite sides in parallel relationship with the guide wires. This relationship is maintained asthe nut moves forward into additional sliding contact with guide wire I9I. This operation assures proper presentation of the nut to the vsqueeze rolls.

The squeeze rolls and the ynuton the mandrel are so positioned thaton'ly thefupper portion of the nut comes into squeezing engagement with the rolls, the depth ofv squeeze, as pointed outabove, being 1A; to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw. Since-both squeeze rolls are power driven,

13 the vupper. portion of the hut is Vreadily gripped by the rolls and deformed as it passes between them. The thrust of the rolls is directly toward one another so that little or no resultant force extends downwardly toward laterally extending base |48 of the mandrel.

Crank H3 is suitably turned t'o provide space 80 Ybetween 'the squeezerolls with the necessary width to defor'm the upper portion of the nut the requisite amount; upper 'portion 326 of the mandrel acting as a stop against excessive 'deformation while at the same time assuring each succeeding nutbf 'an equivalent amount of deformation, falling within the limits above mentioned.

In practice, nuts as they come from the 'squeeze rolls are measured to determine whether the width 'of the top of the opening along the minor axis is reduced by the distortion by an amount equal to the lit tolerance plus 0.001 to 0.010 inch. They are preferably tested with a torque wrench to determine Whether the width of the top of the Opening along the Aminor axis is reduced by the distortion -by an amount to produce a friction locking torque vof 115 D24 to 820 DZ-5 on a mating screw within the dimension tolerance of its class of t; in which, :as ypreviously pointed out, D equals the nominal diameter of the mating screw and the result obtained is pound 'inches 'of torque. An intermediate optimum value is selected and crank l I3 yis turned this way or that untilvth'e distorted nuts coming "from the squeeze rolls match that value. Such checks and adjustments, if necesisary, are made from'time to time during thecours'e of a day's'operation of the 'apparatus to make cer'- t'ain that the lock nuts produced are substantially uniform 'in their friction locking torque. l

Although provision is made for knurling the top of each lock nut as it leaves the vsqueeze rolls, this is a 'convenience rather than a necessity. Furthermore, the nut blank could be knurled before it 'enters the squeeze rolls, or for that matter, before it is 'mounted on its mandrel. Among important advantages loi the practice disclosed are the following: The knurled top at once identies the mit 'as a lock nut. Second, it indicates to the user' that 'the knurling is adjacent the upper or distorted portion of the nut and that the un-knurled bottom should be presented to a mating bolt to assure easy screwing of the nut atleast until the iirst threads oi the bolt 'come into interfering or locking engagement with the distorted threads oi the lock nut. In addition, la distinctive knurling design maybe employed to identify the manufacturers particular brand Vof lock nut.

In any event, as a Vgiven 'mandrel carried 'as a unit by the conveyor' between the squeeze rolls, they 'pass under and in contact with knurling roll 265. vAs pointed out above in sui'iicient detail, various parts of the knurling device may be manipulated to vary the pressureof the roll 'on the top lof the nut to assure the desired marking.

The conveyor then lcarries each succeeding knurled lock nut while still mounted 'on its mandrel to vstrippers 3| 2 'and 3l3 where the nuts are forcibly removed. dropped lst hto chute 315 and then. into bin 3I6.

It will `be 'clear to those skilledl in this art that the specific method an'd apparatus just described may be suitably varied while stillfalling within f the .purview of the invention.

IIn ry ce-pending application seria1 No. 621,- 265,1 nave 'claimed a metho'dvfor which the 'ap-v params lof 'the present invention is 'particmany stated.

and nut are f` 1. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, and means for forcing the opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hol-e of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount.

2. In apparatus for producing lock-huts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole oi a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a 'stop portion of predetermined size, and a pair of opposed and spaced compression members for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole -of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount.

3. In apparatus -for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being Vprovided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls `for forcing opposite sides of th'e nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut vengage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, and mechanism for effecting relative movement between the mandrel and the squeezev rolls to cause the mandrel and nut mounted thereon vto pass as "a unit between the squeeze rolls.

4. In 'apparatus Afor producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be linserted in the hole of a blank nut, the man drel being provided witha stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the vstop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut 'a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected with means to vcause its rotation in a clockwise direction and the other squeeze roll being connected with means vto cause its rotation in la counter-clockwise direction, and means associated with the mandrel and nut mounted thereon for passing them as a unit between the squeeze rolls.

5. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of pre#- determined size, a pair oi opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for lforcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the 'mandrel t'o distort the nut `a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected Vwith Ymeans to cause its rotation in a clockwise direction and the other squeeze roll being connected with means to 'cause its rotation in a counter-clockwise direction, and means associated' with the .mandrel 'and nut mounted thereon for passing them as a unit between the squeeze rolls at the same linear speed as that 'of the squeeze rolls.

6. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising 'a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with 'a stopV portion 'of predetermined si'Ze, means for forcing opposite sides of 'the nut towardene another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portionfofithe mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, and means for advancing the movable support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said forcing means.

7. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, and means for advancing the mandrel support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said squeeze rolls.

8. In apparatus'for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected with means to cause its rotation in a clockwise direction and the other squeeze roll being connected with means to cause its rotation in a counter-clockwise direction, and means for advancing the mandrel support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said squeeze rolls.

9. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a conveyor, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, means for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, and means for moving the conveyor and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said forcing means.

l0. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a conveyor, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount. and means for moving the conveyor and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said squeeze rolls.

1.1. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, andl means for forcing the opposite sides of the nut 'toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said forcingN means having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the oppositesides vof the nut to make contact therewith only' to a depth of 1A; to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut.

12. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising Va mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, and a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make Contact therewith only to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut.`

13. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blanklnut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predeterminedy size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces :uxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith` only to a depth of 1A; to 1/2 the nominal diameter ofthe mating screw for the nut,and means associated with thel mandrel and nut mounted thereon for passing them as a unit between the squeeze rolls.

14; In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a 'mandrel adapted to be inserted in the hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the man-l drel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected with means to cause its rotation in a clockwise direc* tion and the other squeeze roll being connected with means to cause its rotation in a counter-j clockwise direction, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith only to a depth of 1A to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means associated with the mandrel and nut mounted thereon for passing them as a unit between the squeeze rolls.

15. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts. the improvement comprising a mandrel adapted to be inserted in the hole of a blank nut, the mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected with means to cause its rotation in a clockwise direction and the other squeeze roll being connected with means to cause its rotation in a counter-clockwise direction, said squeeze rolls having'eontact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith only to a depth of 1A to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means associated with the mandrel and nut mounted thereon for passing them as a unit between the squeeze rolls at the same linear speed as that of the squeeze rolls@ I6: In apparatus for producing' lock-nuts, the improvement comprising va plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, means' for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut' engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said forcing means having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith only to a depth of 1A, to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means for advancing the movable support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said forcing means.

1'7. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make Contact therewith only to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means for advancing the mandrel support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said squeeze rolls.

18. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a movable support, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with. a stop portion. of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, one of the squeeze rolls being connected with means to cause its rotation in a clockwise direction and the other squeeze roll being connected with means to cause its rotation in a counter-clockwise direction, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith only to a depth of 1/4. to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means for advancing the mandrel. support and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon toward and between said squeeze rolls.

19. In apparatus for producing lock-nuts, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on a conveyor, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, means for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said forcing means having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make contact therewith only to a depth of 1A; to l the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means formoving the conveyor and hence each mandrels mounted on a conveyor, each mandrel being adapted to be inserted-in the threaded hole of a blank nut and each mandrel being provided with a stop portion of predetermined size, a pair of opposed and spaced squeeze rolls for forcing opposite sides of the nut toward one another until threads in the hole of the nut engage the stop portion of the mandrel to distort the nut a predetermined amount, said squeeze rolls having contact surfaces juxtaposed to the opposite sides of the nut to make Contact therewith only to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 the nominal diameter of the mating screw for the nut, and means for moving the conveyor and hence each mandrel with a nut mounted thereon, toward and between said squeeze rolls.

21. In apparatus for manufacturing lock nuts,

the improvement comprising a pair of spaced.

and opposed compression members adapted to force opposite sides of a blank nut toward one another in the space between the compression members, a conveyor for the nuts associated with the compression members, and a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on the conveyor with the line of travel of the mandrels passing through the space between the two compressionv members, each mandrel being adapted to receive a blank nut so that each nut may be positioned between. the compression members as its mandrel is moved between the compression members by the conveyor.

22. In apparatus for manufacturing lock nuts, the improvement comprising a pair of spaced and opposed compression members adapted to force opposite sides of a blank nut toward one another in the space between the compression members, an endless conveyor for the nuts associated with the compression members, and a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on the conveyor with the line of travel of the mandrels passing through the space between the two compression members, each mandrel being adapted to receive a blank nut so that each nut may be positioned between the compression members as its mandrel is moved between the compression members by the conveyor.

23. In apparatus for manufacturing lock nuts, the improvement comprising a pair of spaced and opposed squeeze rolls adapted to force opposite sides of a blank nut toward one another in the space between the squeeze rolls, a conveyor for the nuts associated with the squeeze rolls, and a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on the conveyor with the line of travel of the mandrels passing through the space between the two squeeze rolls, each mandrel being adapted to receive a blank nut so that each nut may be positioned between the squeeze rolls as its mandrel is moved between the squeeze rolls by the conveyor.

24. In apparatus for manufacturing lock nuts, the improvement comprising a pair of spaced and opposed squeeze rolls adapted to force opposite sides of a blank nut toward one another in the space between the squeeze rolls, a conveyor for the nuts associated with the squeeze rolls, and a plurality of spaced mandrels mounted on the conveyor with the line of travel of the mandrels passing through the space between the two squeeze rolls, each mandrel being adapted to receive a blank nut so that each nut may be posi- 

